If it’s one thing we know as Malaysians, it’s how great our food is. Many times, our beloved country has been listed as a great spot for gastronomical delights and immensely flavourful food which has made us really proud. Now, here’s another piece of Malaysian pride that we can add to our ever-growing list!
This is none other than the humble Sin Yoon Loong Kopitiam! You’ve most probably heard of it if you have been to Ipoh!
Global Coffee Tour, which is part of a book series by The Lonely Planet has included the kopitiam in its list of coffee spots to check out in Asia. They memorialised the kopitiam in glossy history with the line: “Ipoh’s signature white coffee is famously hot, sweet and almost buttery in taste.” Sounds so delicious!
This little kopitiam Sin Yoon Loong, is credited for introducing the world to “Ipoh white coffee” and inspired a chain of cafes around Malaysia. It’s so tasty that it has even been described as “…coffee that’s creamy that it tastes almost soup-like.” Featured alongside places like Chiang Mai and Tokyo, this quaint little kopitiam has certainly earned the respect of the world!
In an article written by The Star, the proprietors of the kopitiam are more than pleased with the recognition.
“I would really love to get a copy of the book and frame up the page on Sin Yoon Loong when it is out. Making the best white coffee using traditional methods for our patrons is all we know and have been doing all these years. I am glad that not only do the locals love our signature Ipoh white coffee, but foreigners are also spreading good words about it,” said Wong Meng, 61, one of the proprietors of Sin Yoon Loong.
Wong Meng is a third-generation member of the Wong clan that first started the business. He and his partner had taken over from the original owners who had started the business in 1937.
His partner, who has since retired has stopped running the storefront.
“We perfected the recipe over the years and our small coffee shop was where most workers gathered for their pick-me-up before heading for work, and also their afternoon tea-break.
He recalls that during the golden tin-mining era back in the 1950s and 1960s, the coffee shop was a local haunt for many many big bosses and their supervisors.
Aside from the creamy coffee, the chee cheong fun and the toast have also received due praise for their great taste. Back in 2016, Ipoh had also been ranked by Lonely Planet as one of the top ten places to visit in Asia.
Perakians can gladly add another feather in their caps with this accomplishment!
Also read: George Town’s Wall Art is the ONLY Asian Destination Featured in Lonely Planet’s Book